SPRINGFIELD–Recently, State Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) pushed that gaming expansion should be a part of any potential budget agreement. The comments came during a Senate Gaming hearing on potential gaming expansion legislation.

Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Link, would authorize the building of six new casinos throughout the State of Illinois, including locations in Chicago and Lake County. The proposal will increase revenues for the state and local communities.

“I have always believed that one way to increase revenues in our state is to expand on gaming opportunities,” Link said. “This allows us to put more money into our schools and helps solve the state’s financial problems.”

The legislation also would allow current riverboats or casinos to expand from 1,200 machines per location to 1,600 machines.

“A lot of potential Illinois gaming revenue is leaving the state for Indiana and Wisconsin because there just isn’t the opportunity here at home. That is lost revenue that could help shore up our finances,” Link said.